SIBU: A strong windstorm accompanied by heavy rain tore into several longhouses in the Nanga Tutus area of Bawang Assan this morning, damaging roofs and facilities and leaving nine households in need of urgent repairs.
The affected families were from Rh. Benson Handai in Nanga Tutus, Batang Igan, where five households were affected, while three households at Rh. Lidwina and one household at Rh. Ukar also suffered damage.
Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh moved quickly after receiving reports of the incident, leading his service team to the affected longhouses to assess the damage and check on the residents.
Building materials needed for roof repairs were subsequently provided to all nine affected families, allowing repair work to begin without having to wait for further assistance.
Wong also personally oversaw the distribution of the materials at the affected longhouses, working alongside local community and longhouse leaders to ensure the assistance reached the families affected by the storm.
He said roof damage in a longhouse could quickly become more than a structural problem, particularly during continued periods of rain.
“For longhouse residents, roof damage not only affects the safety and comfort of their homes, but can also cause significant disruption to the daily lives of entire families.
“Therefore, we must take action immediately after a disaster and provide practical and timely assistance to those affected,” he said.
Wong said the incident also highlighted the importance of leaders maintaining a direct presence in their constituencies, particularly when communities are hit by unexpected emergencies.
“Serving the grassroots should not be confined to the office. Leaders must go into the communities and constituencies, especially when residents need help the most,” he said.
He thanked the local community leaders and longhouse leaders for their cooperation in facilitating the assessment and distribution of assistance.
Wong said he hoped the affected families could complete the necessary repairs soon and resume their normal routines.
He added that he would continue to maintain close communication with grassroots leaders and respond to emergencies affecting residents in the Bawang Assan constituency.
“Whether it is a windstorm, heavy rain or any other emergency situation, I will continue to maintain close communication with grassroots leaders and do my utmost to provide the necessary assistance to the residents of the Bawang Assan constituency,” he said.
